I watched all of it.

As for the Reagan voters - some are up for grabs. Some people voted for Bill Clinton in 1996 who voted for Reagan in 1980 and especially in 1984.

Anyone who wins the White House has to appeal to at least a small portion of moderates and conservatives. They are the swing vote. Until now, Obama has had more appeal among that population than Hillary Clinton. That appeal is rapidly dwindling. He was attempting to reach out to moderates in this speech. He did not succeed.

He certainly didn't say anything shocking - but he made it clear that he has no understanding of why people voted for Reagan. Bill Clinton did understand that. I did not like most of Clinton's policies, but he does have some understanding of conservatives. Obama thinks he does - but he doesn't.

There is no need to be defensive about Obama. His campaign blew it with this whole Wright mess, and they have to take responsibility. That is the only way to come out of this. It is still possible. They assumed it would not hurt him. They took a huge chance - and they blew it. Now they have to change things. This is no time for self-pity and self-righteousness. Wright's speeches are absolutely outrageous - filled with rage and hatred and paranoia. There is no point in blaming others: that only adds to the mess.